ISEE STELLA
MASHUDU RATHOGWA
Transport Systems Engineer
Johannesburg, South Africa
Summary
Transport Systems Engineer and Socio-Economic Modelling Specialist with extensive experience delivering evidence-based advisory support to metropolitan governments and national institutions on sustainable mobility, climate transition, and public transport reform. Expertise spans Integrated Public Transport Networks (IPTNs), energy transition modelling (NEVs, Green Hydrogen), circular economy pathways, subsidy reform, and macroeconomic impact assessment. Proven ability to design and implement hybrid modelling frameworks integrating system dynamics, fiscal sustainability analysis, emissions modelling, spatial transformation, and institutional governance reform. Experienced in supporting complex public sector transitions, including contracting authority devolution, transport subsidy restructuring, and low-emission urban interventions aligned with climate and air quality objectives. Demonstrated track record of translating technical modelling outputs into policy-ready strategies that advance inclusive growth, de-carbonization, and financial sustainability. Adept at multi-stakeholder coordination, capacity building, and institutional strengthening within developing-country urban contexts. Passionate about leveraging data-driven systems thinking to support just energy transitions, climate finance readiness, and sustainable infrastructure investment.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Engineer
CSIR
02.2021 - Current
- Transport Systems, Policy & Infrastructure Advisory
- Led and contributed to large-scale transport system modelling, infrastructure master planning, policy advisory, and socio-economic impact assessment projects across metropolitan and provincial governments.
- Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) – Spatial Planning & Institutional Support
- Provided strategic technical assistance to metropolitan municipalities to capacitate planning, design, budgeting, and operationalization of sustainable and spatially transformative IPTNs.
- Developed the IPTN Spatial Transformative Improvement Matrix to assess corridor investments against spatial equity and economic inclusion indicators.
- Designed the IPTN Sustainability Framework, integrating financial viability, environmental performance, and institutional capacity metrics for over 60 % of the projects.
- Developed a Simulation Toolkit to evaluate IPTN implementation scenarios under varying demand, subsidy, and spatial development assumptions.
- Authored the IPTN Planning & Spatial Transformation Implementation Framework, aligning transport infrastructure with urban restructuring objectives.
- Delivered continuous advisory support to institutionalize transformation frameworks within metropolitan governance systems.
- Provided stabilization advisory services to distressed metros through financial diagnostics and governance reform strategies.
- City Modal Integration (Bus Mode) – IPTN Acceleration
- Developed integration strategies to incorporate municipal-owned bus services into broader IPTN systems.
- Conducted baseline system diagnostics and service typology assessments.
- Modeled operational and institutional integration scenarios.
- Performed financial viability and subsidy impact analysis.
- Developed phased implementation and transition plans.
- Devolution of Provincial Bus Functions to Metros
- Supported metros transitioning into full contracting authorities for subsidized bus services.
- Characterized the public transport contracting function (regulatory, institutional, fiscal components).
- Conducted readiness assessments identifying governance and capacity gaps.
- Developed differentiated toolkits for advanced and moderate-stage cities.
- Provided direct implementation advisory support for contract management reform.
- New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Socio-Economic Impact Model
- Led the development of a hybrid socio-economic and system dynamics model assessing the transition to NEVs.
- Quantified employment, fiscal, emissions, and household expenditure impacts.
- Modeled subsidy reform, fuel tax displacement, and infrastructure investment scenarios.
- Conducted sensitivity and scenario analysis across urban and rural contexts.
- Delivered policy-ready insights supporting a just and economically viable energy transition.
- Green Hydrogen Masterplan
- Contributed to techno-economic modelling and strategic planning for hydrogen integration within transport and industrial sectors.
- Assessed infrastructure sequencing and export potential.
- Evaluated macroeconomic and employment impacts under alternative transition scenarios.
- Low Emission Zone (LEZ) Project
- Supported African cities in implementing air quality and climate mitigation interventions.
- Conducted air quality baseline assessments and emissions scenario modelling.
- Performed legal and regulatory feasibility assessments.
- Delivered impact assessments and financial feasibility studies.
- Transport Subsidy & Macroeconomic Modelling
- Developed fiscal simulation models assessing transport subsidy reform and distributional impacts.
- Applied input-output and macroeconomic modelling techniques to evaluate GDP and employment multipliers.
- Quantified long-term economic and emissions impacts of policy interventions.
- Mobility & Network Modelling
- Built system dynamics and network-based models simulating congestion, modal split, emissions, and infrastructure utilization.
- Conducted demand forecasting, traffic flow analysis, and capacity assessments.
- Integrated GIS and spatial data to inform infrastructure prioritization.
- Roads & Public Transport Infrastructure Master Planning
- Conducted infrastructure condition assessments and traffic forecasting.
- Developed integrated transport infrastructure masterplans aligned with spatial development frameworks.
- Designed road asset management systems incorporating lifecycle costing.
- Conducted Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA).
- Delivered digitization and capacity-building solutions for infrastructure planning.
- Fleet & Tariff Optimization Studies
- Conducted fleet demand and utilization analysis for provincial government fleet operations.
- Developed tariff optimization models for rental, leasing, and chauffeur services.
- Applied financial modelling techniques to improve cost recovery and operational efficiency.
- Circular Economy – Mobility Sector
- Developed circular transition pathways for the transport sector.
- Applied system dynamics modelling to quantify environmental, economic, and infrastructure efficiency impacts.
- Evaluated alternative fuels, shared mobility systems, and material reuse strategies.
- Carbon Neutrality ICT Tool (SMME Focus)
- Developed a composite carbon neutrality index for SMMEs.
- Designed supply chain carbon measurement methodology.
- Contributed to mobile application development for carbon footprint assessment and improvement guidance.
- Intelligent Number Plate System – Gauteng Province
- Led project management and technical specification development.
- Drafted regulatory frameworks and design requirements.
- Oversaw prototype design and security integration considerations.
Vacation Work Student
Lund University , Sweden
01.2019 - 03.2019
- Promoted resort amenities through engaging presentations, leading to increased utilization of available services.
- Conducted regular inventory checks to ensure adequate stock levels and minimize waste or shortages.
- Assisted management in budgeting tasks, helping optimize resource allocation for various departments within the resort.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts by diligently updating logsheets and briefing incoming team members on relevant updates.
Education
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering - Engineering Management
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa07-2024
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering - Engineering
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa09-2021
Skills
- System Dynamics (STELLA)
- Macroeconomic & Input-Output Modelling
- Transport Network & Demand Modelling
- Scenario & Sensitivity Analysis
- Spatial Planning Integration
- Sustainability & Circular Economy Modelling
- Advanced Excel
- Python & SQL
Software
PTV VISUM
ArcGIS
Certification
Systems Dynamics Modelling Training | Eskom
Registrations
- ECSA Candidate Engineer, 2021
- ECSA Professional Engineer (Application submitted)
Skills
System Dynamics (STELLA), Macroeconomic & Input-Output Modelling, Transport Network & Demand Modelling, Scenario & Sensitivity Analysis, Spatial Planning Integration, Sustainability & Circular Economy Modelling, Advanced Excel, Python & SQL, Simulation Toolkit Development, GIS Integration, Dashboard & Policy Visualisation, Public Transport Governance Reform, Contracting Authority Development, Subsidy & Fiscal Sustainability Modelling, Spatial Transformation Frameworks, Climate & Energy Transition Strategy
Publications
Metro Transport Capacity Building Programme: South Africa, Thredbo, Cape Town, 2024, How do public transport quality aspects inter-relate, and how would it enhance transport policy: a system dynamics approach, Thredbo, Cape Town, 2024, The improvement of the operational efficiencies in the minibus taxis industry: A work in progress system dynamics approach, International Systems Dynamics Conference Chicago, 2023, Using systems dynamics to support a city’s growth and development strategy (gds): A city of Johannesburg case study, Southern Transport Conference, Pretoria, 2023, Proposed methodology of optimizing the secondary public transport network of a city in demand, Southern Transport Conference, Pretoria, 2022, An examination into prospective research areas concerning the safety of learner transport, specifically focusing on intentional harm, Southern Transport Conference, Pretoria, 2024, Using systems dynamics modelling to facilitate sustainable decision making and improved planning and implementation of integrated public transport networks (IPTN) as effective spatial transformation instruments in South African cities, Sustainability handbook, 2022, Speaker at International Women in Transport, Southern Transport Conference, Pretoria, 2024, Speaker at the Tshwane Women in Transport, Pretoria, 2023, Speaker at International Women in Transport, Southern Transport Conference, Pretoria, 2023, Speaker at the Tshwane Women in Transport, Pretoria, 2024
Timeline
Engineer
CSIR
02.2021 - Current
Vacation Work Student
Lund University , Sweden
01.2019 - 03.2019
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering - Engineering Management
University of The Witwatersrand
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering - Engineering
University of The Witwatersrand